I am making almost double what I used to make, and I have access to good health care for me and my kids.
Roberto is a single father who, not too long ago, was stressed out trying to make ends meet. He wondered how to pay the bills, besides everyday things. Even when he worked extra hours, Roberto still couldn’t keep up. When he learned how much he could earn just starting in construction, Roberto decided to fast-track his career by enrolling in Highway Construction Skills Training.
Then he talked with the doubters.
Roberto was about to start six weeks of focused training in the industry, to give his boys a better life. He was going to learn everything from basic skills to CPR, get credentials and training certificates, and start meeting employers. But the doubters told him that it was a waste of time that wouldn’t lead to anything good.
“Their messages and voices played in my mind and created doubt,” Roberto says. They were his family and friends, and they wanted to keep him on the safe path. They didn’t want him to face further setbacks, and six weeks can seem like a long time when you’re low on money.
But Roberto knew that he could do better for his family. “I wanted something bigger than myself… I kept hope and kept pushing to see it all the way through.”
Without a doubt
Roberto’s instructor, Lorie, says that he had “strong character” throughout the class. He knew that arriving on time and getting his work done ahead of schedule showed professionalism, and that meant advancement. Advancement meant money.
“During this class,” says Lorie, “Roberto was called out by the Laborer Union and asked to do a two-day job flagging for a contractor; he did quite well. That experience really put things into perspective for Roberto and confirmed the construction industry is where his future is.”
Roberto says that HCST was a helpful way to learn the skills he needed, without any hidden requirements or agenda. “I liked that the program was very straightforward on expectations and telling us what was expected of students to graduate,” Roberto says. “The overall experience was very helpful for my transition into a new industry.”
Told you so
Today, Roberto is glad that he listened to his intuition instead of the naysayers.
“I am making almost double what I used to make, and I have access to good health care for me and my kids,” Roberto tells us. He adds that “because of the increased pay, I am now able to start savings to get my own house – hopefully, by the middle of next year. So, enrolling into the HCTS program has really fast-tracked my future goals.”
Congratulations, Roberto! We couldn’t be happier for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
If you want to try something new, but aren’t sure about taking the risk, Roberto has a choice quote to share with you:
“If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you always got.”
He loves this one from Henry Ford, because he’s been able to apply it positively in his own life so often. Roberto explains that “This message speaks to me that we have to take risks sometimes, in order to create change, because our actions will create the consequences we will live with.”
HCST is your opportunity to do something new and see the results. Start getting the life you want.
